free to all members
NOVEMBER 2023
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MONTHLY TERN
Course Conditions
Question Corner
Club News
Head greenkeeper Matty Smith gives us his monthly update
Our monthly Q&A with your Club Captain and OGV Director, Kenny.
Don’t miss all the upcoming events in the Taproom.
Newburgh Golf Club now under new Management! So just what does that mean for the members. Sean McHardy explores an exciting new venture for Newburgh Golf Club as it moves into a new era with Clubhouse owners OGV Media Group at the helm.
T
he Newburgh Golf Club has recently gone through an exciting transformation which has seen the OGV Media Group take over.
As the golfing enthusiasts eagerly anticipate these changes there is good reason to be excited about the future of the club. OGV’s commitment to enhancing the golfing experience at Newburgh Golf Club is apparent in the extensive work that is both underway and planned.
Firstly, everyone at the club has been working hard to ensure that the course conditions are as good as possible with many different renovations currently underway and planned for the future. OGV are determined to make Newburgh one of the best golf courses in the north east. Some work currently ongoing includes the installation of solar power, winter maintenance for machinery, redoing bunkers, and enhancing the playing surfaces. Over winter the priority for everyone in the club is the playing surfaces, with great efforts put in to maintain high standards all over the course.
The club has already received a lot of positive feedback in the early days under OGV, with many members and visitors seeing the efforts of everyone to make Newburgh Golf Club a top destination for golfers in the north east. It is a bright future for the club and everyone would like to extend their thanks for the support throughout the process as OGV have taken over. Many members have helped which has made it possible for the club to continue to improve. We hope to see you at the club over the next few months. L
ENSURING COMPLIANCE AND ASSURANCE FOR ENERGY AND MARINE CLIENTS AROUND THE WORLD.
Green is the word! New Starts Question Corner Club News Club Financials Games and fixtures
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Issue 1 • newburghgolfclub.co.uk
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Green is the word!
Winter preparations well under way at Newburgh Head Green Keeper, Matthew Smith gives you the low-down on all the course news as we head into the winter season.
N
ewburgh Golf Club continues to make strides to enhance the golfing experience for its visitors and members.
The recent improvements across various aspects of the course have garnered positive feedback, promising an even more enjoyable round of golf. We also have other things planned for the future that will continue to improve many different aspects of the course. As we head into the winter season, these enhancements are vital to ensure the course maintains the quality that we are looking to provide to golfers here at Newburgh Golf Club. These improvements not only enhance the aesthetics of the course but also play a crucial role in maintaining its playability and competitiveness.
Although it is extremely important during the winter season, these are the types of improvements that we want to be making to ensure Newburgh is a top quality golfing destination in the north east all year round.
As we head into the winter season, these enhancements are vital to ensure the course maintains the quality that we are looking to provide to golfers here at Newburgh Golf Club.
In this article we’ll provide an update on the course news, with a focus on the improvements currently underway and in the works.
Tees One of the key areas of focus has been the tees. The tees serve as the starting point for every golfer’s round and play a fundamental role in setting the stage for success on the course. Maintaining high quality tees is important for both the playability and the aesthetics of the course. With healthy and level tees, you can tee off with confidence, knowing your shots will be executed as intended. This leads to more accurate shots and a more enjoyable round of golf. Under the new ownership of OGV we have been looking at all aspects of the course and we appreciate that the tees play a pivotal role in the overall golfing experience. Therefore, we will be ensuring that the tees will be aesthetically pleasing but also functional and performance-driven.
2 remains firm yet soft, providing the ideal surface for golfers. As well as this, aeration facilitates efficient water drainage, reducing the chance of standing water and making the course more playable even during wet conditions. Fairways are often regarded as the backbone of the golfing experience. They are where golfers make their longest shots and where strategy and precision are put to the test. Highquality fairways are essential to a great game of golf and everyone at Newburgh Golf Club is putting great effort into making excellent fairways.
Pathways In addition to fairway improvements, Newburgh Golf Club recognises the significance of pathways as a vital component of the golfing experience. Pathways are essential for ease of navigation across the course, particularly during poor weather conditions. Therefore, the club will be looking to refine the pathways around the course.
Bunkers Newburgh Golf Club’s commitment to creating an exceptional golfing experience extends to every part of the course, including the bunkers. There are current plans in place to redo the bunkers to ensure they are of as high a standard as possible.
Fairways Golfers at Newburgh Golf Club can look forward to fairways that offer both great playability and scenic beauty. The fairways are currently undergoing a number of improvements at Newburgh.
Bunkers are essential in creating strategic challenges for golfers. They require precision and skill to navigate and making them a high standard is a priority. Properly maintained bunkers ensure a consistent playing surface.
One of the pivotal elements in maintaining the high standards of our course is aeration. This process may not always be immediately visible to golfers, but its effects are profound. Aeration involves perforating the soil with small holes to alleviate soil compaction and facilitate better air and water circulation. There are several benefits of this process and it has a direct impact on the quality of fairways and the satisfaction of golfers. It improves playability by ensuring that the fairway
Green is the word!
This is critical for golfers to predict the outcome of their shots and maintain fair competition. We understand that bunkers are an integral part of the golfing experience here at Newburgh and our commitment to improving the quality of experience here means the bunkers will be upgraded.
Greens and Approaches The greens are where the golfers make their most critical shots of the game. Well maintained greens provide a true, consistent playing surface, essential for precise and enjoyable play. We want golfers to have smooth and true rolls on well-maintained greens. This consistency allows golfers to improve their putting game and enjoy a more satisfying round. There will be great efforts to maintain a high standard of green, particularly as the winter months are upon us. We recognise the importance of well-maintained greens and will take measures to ensure this. As we look ahead to this exciting time under ownership of OGV, Newburgh Golf Club is dedicated to delivering a golfing experience that exceeds expectations and creates lasting memories. We understand the importance of these improvements and are committed to ensuring that the quality of our course remains at the forefront of our efforts. We invite golfers of all levels and experience to experience these enhancements firsthand, enjoying an exceptional round of golf in a picturesque setting, no matter the season. X
Just a reminder to replace divots and repair pitch marks to help the Greenkeepers, they have put in a lot of work to improve the course especially the greens the impact of this not improving could end up having mats back in play on the fairways and bumpy greens. Head Greenkeeper, Matty Smith
Issue 1 • newburghgolfclub.co.uk
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Club News
New Starts A warm welcome to our newest colleagues!
John Keller Greenkeeper “John has been working on golf courses the past 12 years and previously worked with Matty and Wayne at Auchmill proving to be a good team player and a strong work ethic John is now part of the team at Newburgh please welcome John to the club.”
Courtney Clark Administration Courtney has been working in Contracts and Administration positions for the last 10 years and brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her role. Courtney looks forward to supporting Newburgh’s growth plans in the future.
Amanda Moir Administration “I have worked in the golf industry on the administration side for last 8 years, arranging visitor outings and dealing with members enquiries.”
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Issue 1 • newburghgolfclub.co.uk
Club Update... Over the last few months I have released two members’ letters in order to share our plans for the club going forward and thankfully these have been very well received, but have also resulted in a few more queries. One of the questions we have received most frequently concerns the structure of the club and how it will be run in the future. The OGV Group will run the day to day operations and this includes the management of the venue, the staff, events, the equipment, the clubs finances, the marketing and most importantly, the communication with its members. We have established a steering committee to support us with the communication from members and this committee will provide advice on all club matters, including member issues, course improvements, competitions and events. Another question we have been asked is: ‘Who owns the club’s assets?’ - Our fantastic clubhouse and our great new shed are both owned by the members club and that’s not something that will change. One more question concerns the reasons why we haven’t finished the construction of the golf simulator. This is simply a financial answer, in that we chose to invest in other priorities first, such as the kitchen and staff wages.
Question Corner
Q A &
Your chance to ask your Club Captain, the Committee or OGV anything you want!
ASK THE CAPTAIN We were promised a fully furnished kitchen, but found ourselves in a situation where we had to spend over £20k on kitchen equipment and maintenance to keep the kitchen operational for its members and following this, we were then advised that the club couldn’t afford to pay its staff, so we directed our funds towards this priority instead. Outside of this, we have been busy implementing measures to reduce the club’s operational expenditure and increase its revenues. I would love to have the simulator operational and now we have addressed the other points, we hope to start working on this shortly.
We are here for the long term and hopefully the members can see that we are demonstrating this by the investment we are making and the changes that are taking place around the clubhouse and the course. Finally, to address the questions on the topic of our long term commitment, we are here for the long term and hopefully the members can see that we are demonstrating this by the investment we are making and the changes that are taking place around the clubhouse and the course. With the continued support from our loyal members and the expertise and network of the OGV Group, we are confident that we will deliver the changes required for long term prosperity for everyone! X
Q - You are stepping down as Club Captain at the end of this year, as the club moves into this next chapter where do you see Newburgh headed?
Kieran
A: I’d like to thank all the members for trusting me with the captaincy for 2023, it has been a difficult year for the club and significant changes have had to be actioned in order to keep the club alive. I appreciate that not all will agree with what has changed however I would say that without these changes there was not going to be a Newburgh Golf Club past September. I will be stepping down as Captain at the end of 2023 due to moving to Dubai with my family and I would like to invite nominations for my replacement. The captain role will be a good one this year as opposed to previous years as there is now an ability to grow and not constantly fire fighting. I will be retaining my companies corporate membership at NOYGC and I’m looking forward to continuing playing my golf at this great club when I return to the UK to visit.
Thanks again for your support, Kieran
ASK KENNY Q - The Club has been through some tough times lately. What plans do you have to increase revenue/membership/ corporate members?
Kenny
A: We are excited to start moving forward with our plans now and ‘Course management’ is at the forefront of our strategy, alongside making improvements to the clubhouse to enable us to deliver great golfing and event experiences to our members and stakeholders. Recruitment is also a high priority and we are delighted to have already added to the greenkeeping staff and will continue to recruit skilled and passionate people across the club. The changing rooms will also be modernised and upgraded in the new year and our members can expect a new and improved experience to their visits once this is complete. We are also seeking to reduce cost and reduce the clubs’ carbon footprint by installing solar panels on the roof as part of our ‘Sustainability policy’. These changes alongside leveraging our partnerships within the OGV Group, will result in a steady increase in members and revenue as we confirm more individual and corporate memberships moving into 2024.
Got a question? Please email jen.mcadam@ogvenergy.co.uk. Issue 1 • newburghgolfclub.co.uk
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Club News
What’s on Tap? Your guide to all the upcoming events at the Taproom!
Seniors Update! The AGM followed a shotgun start 9 hole stableford competition the AGM was held in OGV Taproom, who provided the catering. Thanks to Chelsea and staff for an excellent service.
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he Seniors enjoyed a successful season with a full and varied programme of competitions, interclub competitions against Peterhead, Craibstone, Portlethen and Ellon, and 3 outings throughout the summer to Alford, Kemnay and Turriff. In 2024 the outings will be to Alford, Duff House(Banff) and Turriff. A motion was passed which will be forwarded to the Club Committee that consideration be given to making weekend competitions multi tee starts. It was felt that this would encourage more members to participate at the weekend. A number of seniors indicated they would welcome the opportunity of playing off the yellow tees within a club competition. It also opens the possibility of mixed competitions. It was also agreed that to enable more seniors to play in Senior Competitions on Monday’s and Wednesday’s that we remind all members that while the tee is reserved between specific times, it is still possible to play in the Senior Competitions, outwith the reserved tee times.
WE’RE HIRING
Eg in summer season, a player can sign in up to 11.00 am, and submit their score before 3.30 pm, however they would have to organise their own playing partner. A revised Committee Structure was agreed and next year will comprise of: Convenor: Brian Thomson; Treasurer: Norman Stephen Buchan; Seniors Rep: Bobby McClymont; Outings Secretary: Grant Leslie & Jim Allan; Inter Club matches Secretary: Dave Burness; Competition Secretary: Sam Boyle The hard work of the greenkeeping staff and the improvements they have made to the course was recognised and the seniors are looking forward to the 2024 season as the course continues to develop and improve. If anyone would like to find out more about the Senior Section Following the please contact Brian by Thomson at recent takeover the OGV Group, we are Thomsonbriand@aol.com excited to start the search for a new
Could you be our next
Golf Club Manager for Newburgh-on-Ythan golf club.
The successful incumbent will have the full backing of the newly appointed ‘Steering Group’ to help transform the club into a family friendly community hub which delivers fantastic golfing experiences and events to its members.
Visit our website for all upcoming events!
JOIN OUR TEAM!
Interested? For more information visit
newburghgolfclub.co.uk
Club financials
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Membership Fees for 2024
Money matters...
Full members
£675
Senior Members
£625
(65 or over on 1st January 2024)
As we look to secure the long term future of the club, it is clear that there is a requirement to reduce operational expenditure and increase revenues.
Young Adult
O
(resident over 50 miles from Newburgh)
NO ADDITIONAL LEVIES WILL BE APPLIED THROUGHOUT SEASON 2024-25 Golf union fees & insurance (£3) are payable in addition to above. Gents – SGU levy £16.50 Ladies – SGU levy £14.50
Country Members
ur clean energy strategy is a great way to make an immediate impact on this deficit and we are delighted to confirm that the implementation of solar panels and battery storage facilities at the club has already started and once installed, this investment will provide long term savings to the club as well as reduce our carbon footprint in the area.
£ 250
Overseas Members
£ 200
(must not be resident in United Kingdom) Golf union fees and insurance are payable in addition to above for both Country & Overseas Members. Overseas members may play the course up to a maximum of 10 times during a year
Junior, Youth and Student Members Junior, under 16
We have also now engaged with all of the clubs’ creditors and new payment plans have been agreed that are in line with the clubs long term objectives, again reducing the short term burden on the club.
Junior, age 16-18
£0
(No Insurance)
£ 75
(+ £3 Insurance)
Youth, age 19 -21 Students, age 19-24
This includes the implementation of a new maintenance plan for the clubs’ mechanical equipment as well as finding a more cost-effective way of sourcing the sand to ensure a more sustainable course management program.
£ 255 £ 255
(in full-time education)
Categories determined by age on 1st January 2024 Golf union fees & Insurance are payable in addition to above for age 18 & over.
6.hole course membership (for beginners) Junior under 12 Junior age 12 – 15 Junior age 16 – 17 Adult & Family
In addition, we have also set up new preferential payment plans for our loyal members, which will allow them to pay on a monthly basis at a lower interest rate than the current ‘Fairways plan’. This ensures our members have a variety of different payment options and at the same time provides the club with a transparent and regular monthly income. We have also commenced the marketing of our corporate memberships throughout the OGV Group and engaged with a Brand Consultant to help maximise the use of our website and explore how we optimise revenues through the club shop, our merchandise and our event program.
£450
(age under 25 on 1st January 2024)
Free Free Free £47
(+£3 Insurance)
No joining fee or levy. Part refundable on taking up full membership. Membership year runs from 1st February 2024 to 31st January 2025. Lockers are available at £25 per year.
Our intention is to be as transparent as we can with regard to financial matters moving forward and foster a culture of trust with our members that will ensure a prosperous future for all.
Winter Sunday Stableford League I 2022-2023 1st Place on print-out 10 points, 2nd & Equals 9 points, 3rd & Equals 8 Points, etc. to 10th Place & Equals 1 point.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Brian Docherty Ian Gibbon Grant Leslie Gavin Campbell Graeme Watson Martin Cowie Ben Christie Bill Dowie Brian Cumming Gordon Whyte Alan Cruickshank Wullie Dyker Derek Mulgrew David Philip Stan Hepburn Michael Millar Charlie Duncan Gary Finnie Ron Wilson John Waddell
Total 26 20 20 20 20 18 18 17 16 15 14 14 14 14 13 13 13 13 12 12
Round 1 8 9 10 7 2 4 0 4 6 9 10 8 1 4 3 1 0 1 8 5
Round 2 10 10 8 7 10 8 9 4 2 0 0 1 6 2 5 7 7 5 0 0
Round 3 8 1 2 6 8 6 9 9 8 6 4 5 7 8 5 5 6 7 4 7
Round 4
Round 5
Issue 1 • newburghgolfclub.co.uk
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Just for the fun of it!
December 02 I Dec Newburgh Winter League 04 I Dec Annual Meeting
GOLF PAR TAPROOM COURSE
HANDICAP GRIP TROPHY PLAYER
NEWBURGH TOURNAMENT YTHAN FORE
RANGE GREEN SLICE FAIRWAY
09 I Dec Newburgh Winter League 16 I Dec Newburgh Winter League 23 I Dec Newburgh Winter League
January 2024 03 I Jan Seniors Team Strokeplay 08 I Jan Seniors Texas Scramble 10 I Jan Seniors Stableford 15 I Jan Seniors 3 Ball Better Ball 17 I Jan Seniors Stableford 22 I Jan Seniors Par Bogey
Across 3 The longer grass that lines each side of the fairway 5 Getting the ball in the hole one stroke over par 6 A fairway that curves left or right from where you tee off to the hole 9 A hole in one 11 The position you take when you are ready to hit the ball 13 The short wooden peg on which you place the ball when starting each hole 14 When you get to take a bad shot over 16 The area between the teeing ground and the green, except for the rough and hazards 17 A large sand-filled area, also called a sand trap 19 A short shot from just off the green 20 If you do something wrong you must add one or two of these strokes to your score 22 The person who had the lowest score on the previous hole is said to have the _____ tees off first on the next hole 23 The warning word you shout if your ball is headed toward another person
Down 1 A hole in the grass made by your club when you hit the ball 2 The player whose ball is farthest from the hole 4 Any bunker or water 5 Getting the ball in the hole one stroke under par 7 The putting area with very short grass where the hole is located 8 A method of adding or subtracting strokes to allow players of all levels to compete fairly with one another 10 Getting the ball in the hole in two strokes under par 12 A golf shot that curves sharply to the right 14 When you put a small coin or marker behind your ball on the green you are _______ your ball 15 When each hole is a separate contest it is called _____ play 18 Any attempt to hit the ball 20 The number of strokes it should take a good golfer to play a hole 21 A golf shot that curves sharply to the left
24 I Jan Seniors Medal 29 I Jan Seniors Strokeplay 31 I Jan Seniors Irish Stableford
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